Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that occurs when tears fail to provide adequate lubrication. Tears can be unstable or inadequate due to reasons such as failing to produce enough tears or producing poor-quality tears. Tear instability causes damage or inflammation of the eye surface.

A dry eye condition is uncomfortable, and certain environments or situations can exacerbate the problem. Treatment and lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms.

 

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is caused by various conditions that affect a healthy tear film. The tear film contains three layers—fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus—that help keep the eye surface healthy. Problems with any of the layers can lead to dry eye.

 

Reasons for tear film disruption include autoimmune diseases, hormone changes, eye allergies, and inflamed eyelid glands. Dry eye can also be due to increased tear evaporation and decreased tear production. These may be due to aging, blocked glands, certain medical conditions, and certain medications.

 

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease usually affects both eyes. Symptoms of the condition include:

 

• Scratching or a sensation of something in the eye

• Stinging or burning eye sensation

• Stringy mucus around or in the eyes

• Eye redness or soreness

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulties with night driving

• Blurry vision, double vision, or eye fatigue

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Excessive eye watering or tearing
  
   

Risk Factors of Dry Eye

Some people are more susceptible to dry eye disease than others. Risk factors of the condition include being over 50 years, being a woman experiencing hormonal changes, and wearing contact lenses. Eating a diet low in vitamin A can increase the risk of dry eye.

Dry eye can be a side effect of getting refractive surgery. People with dry eyes have a high likelihood of experiencing complications such as eye infections and damage to the eye surface.

Preventing Dry Eye Symptoms

There are ways to prevent or reduce the symptoms of dry eye. They include:

 

• Using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air

• Avoiding air blowing into the eyes

• Wearing protective eyewear or sunglasses while outdoors

• Taking breaks when reading, using the computer, or during tasks requiring concentration

• Improving your posture or positioning your computer correctly below eye level

• Quitting smoking

• Taking care of your eyes in dry environments

• Using artificial tears regularly
  
   

Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye can be mild or severe, which determines the most effective treatment. Mild dry eye can be treated with OTC medications, and lifestyle or dietary changes can help relieve the symptoms. People with severe dry eye require prescription medications and other treatment options, including surgery.

Devices such as thermal pulsation systems and intense pulsed light can help. Treating underlying health conditions or changing medications can help relieve dry eye. An eye specialist can help diagnose dry eye and recommend the most effective treatment. Diagnosis involves analyzing the symptoms and conducting eye tests.

A dilated eye exam can help check the back of the eye. It can determine the volume of tears produced, the rate of evaporation, and eyelid structure. The doctor will also review the patient’s medical history and ask about current supplements and medications.


 

For more symptoms of dry eye disease, contact Eye Care Associates in San Bernardino at our San Bernardino, California office. Call (909) 316-2100 to schedule an appointment today.